Flute Fest from August 19-21

OLYMPIA – July 29, 2011 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to Flute Quest at Saltwater State Park in Des Moines, celebrating the Native American flute and world instruments.

The three-day music festival runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 - 21, at Saltwater State Park, 25205 8th Place South, Des Moines. Flute Quest is the largest Native American flute festival in the Northwest and features internationally known flutists and accomplished local musicians. Adults and children interested in the history and culture surrounding the Native American flute or wanting to learn how to play the flute are welcome to the festival. The Discover Pass is not required for those attending the event.

The festival features beginner and accomplished musician workshops, flute and drum circles, flute and drum vendors and live music on the New Breath stage. World-renowned instructors lead workshops for accomplished musicians (fees vary depending on program). Beginner workshops are offered for free. Seating for all workshops is limited and participants can register in advance at www.flutequest.com.

Musicians are invited to play with fellow musicians during teepee circle sessions. Led by session facilitators or music instructors, teepee circle sessions are dedicated to drums, flutes, didgeridoos and other world instruments. Teepee circle sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Live music on the New Breath stage features recording artists and new artists. Performances are free and run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Musicians can sign up to play on the Live Breath stage at www.flutequest.com. An area for album sales will be available.

As part of the festival, participants have the opportunity to hear Grammy Award winner Mary Youngblood, as well as multi-talented artists Jeff Bell, Tim Blueflint and Rona Yellow Robe, Friday and Saturday evening at Wesley Homes Terrance Auditorium, 816 South 216th Street, Des Moines. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth.

Flute Quest is hosted by Washington Flute Circle, a non-profit organization founded in 2005 and dedicated to supporting Northwest individuals and organization interested in the culture and history of the Native American flute, the third oldest instrument in the world.

Saltwater State Park is a camping park featuring 1,445 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound. The park is located halfway between the cities of Tacoma and Seattle. The cities jointly and literally buried a hatchet in the park as a symbol of an end to their mutual competition. Saltwater is the only state park that features an underwater, artificial reef on Puget Sound. Divers may explore a wonderful diversity of sea life and marine environments, including tide pools and salmon spawning in McSorley Creek.

The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 98-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.

Washington State Parks is now on Twitter at WaStatePks_NEWS and YouTube at WashingtonStateParks.